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One of the most tragic chapters in Indian history on par with the destruction of Hampi is that of Orugallu, the capital of the Kakatiyas, which was raided thrice in 1310, 1318 and 1323, it’s immense riches looted, including the fabled Kohinoor diamond. It’s proximity to the diamond mines of Golkonda, nearby made it one of the richest cities of it’s time, as also it’s grand monuments, the massive fort, and the temples here. The Kakatiyas control of the entire Telugu speaking region, and the Eastern Coast, enabled the flourishing of trade resulting in it’s prosperity. It was but natural such riches would attract the attention of the Delhi Sultanate.

During the later half of the 17th century, there were a series of revolts against the Mughals by the Jats living in Mathura, Agra and Delhi. And the man who began it all was Gokula Singh, a zamindar of Tilpat, now in Faridabad district, belonging to the Agre gotra. The second of 4 sons of Madhu, his birth name was Ola Haga, and his brothers were Sindhuraj, Jhaman and Saman.

Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose, one of the great Indian scientists of modern era, who came up with the first version of the radio, discovered that plants have feelings too. A genius in his own right.

Veer Chattrasal, the lion of Bundelkhand, who carved out an independent kingdom during the Mughal rule, against all odds. A truly great warrior after whom Chattarpur in MP is named.

To understand Rana Pratap, and his refusal to surrender to Akbar, while all other Rajput rulers did, one needs to understand the history of Mewar, it's long history of resistance to Islamic rule be it the Delhi Sultanate or the Mughals, and their never say die spirit.

Shyamji Krishna Varma, mentor to many leading lights of India’s revolutionary movement, ranging from Veer Savarkar to Lala Hardayal to Madame Bhikaji Cama. Founded India House in London.

March 23, 1931- The date on which Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were hanged. The podcast takes a look at the trial and the events leading up to the hanging.

Nana Fadnavis, the Maratha Chanakya, who as Prime Minister of the Maratha confederacy, bought it back to the days of glory after the humiliating rout at Panipat. A man who defeated the British twice with his intelligence and diplomacy.

Lal Qile se aaee awaaz,Sehgal Dhillon ShahnawazTeenon ki ho Umar Daraaz.Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, close associate of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, one of the 3 INA officers in the Red Fort trial.

While we know about Rana Pratap, how many know about his son Rana Amar Singh, an equally great warrior like his father who fought 17 battles with the Mughals, winning many of them.

Malhar Rao Holkar, founder of the Holkar dynasty, developed Indore into a major city. One of the powerful Maratha leaders who asserted themselves post Panipat, when the Marathas became a confederacy of various other kingdoms.

If only I have eleven more followers like Sriramulu I will win freedom  in a year.Freedom fighter whose fast unto death led to the creation of a separate Andhra State.

Mrutyuche aavhaan peluni, toch varasa aamhaala dila lShivrayaancha Shambhu chaava, Hindu mhanuni amar jahala ll(Coming from the same legacy that confronted death,Shivaji’s son Shambhu, became immortal as a Hindu)Quite often, growing up in the shadow of a banyan tree can be quite inhibiting, however much you grow, and you shall always look small against the banyan. In a sense that was what happened to Sambhaji, the son of Sivaji. Growing up in the shadow of a powerful  father, who was a giant of a personality, meant Sambhaji, for all his achievements would never really match up to Sivaji.

What does one make of a man who flew a daring sortie into Dutch occupied Indonesia and sneaked away their Prime Minister?  Or made equally daring sorties into Kashmir during the first India Pakistan war in 1947?  Or a man who set up industries all over Odisha?  Biju Patnaik was not just a political leader, he was also an aeronautical engineer, a fighter pilot, an industrialist and fought for freedom too. He was a true nationalist, and yet the interests of his beloved Odisha, always were close to his heart. A man of unimpeachable integrity,  and a visionary, that was Biju Patnaik.

Lala Hardayal, the man who co founded the Ghadar Party in US, along with Sohan Singh Bhakna. A legend among revolutionaries, one of the key members of India House in London along with Shyamji Krishna Varma, Veer Savarkar and Madame Bhikaji Cama. A brilliant polymath who turned down a lucrative career in the Civil Services, as he plunged into the revolutionary movement. A leader who inspired many expat Indians in UK, US and Canada to rise against British imperialism. A man known for his rather simple living and brilliant intellectual capability.